Qualified Products List(QPL)
A government-maintained list of products that have been tested and approved as meeting specified standards, enabling streamlined procurement.
Overview
A Qualified Products List (QPL) is a government-maintained listing of products that have been tested and certified as meeting military or federal specifications. Once a product is on the QPL, the government can purchase it without repeating qualification testing. QPLs are used for items where performance, safety, or interoperability must be verified.
Why It Matters in GovCon
For manufacturers, getting your product on a QPL opens a direct path to government sales. Solicitations often specify "or equal" from the QPL, but QPL-listed products have a proven track record. The qualification process requires investment in testing and documentation, but the payoff is reduced competition and faster procurement for qualified products.
Key Details
- Qualification Process: Products must pass testing per the applicable specification (e.g., MIL-SPEC).
- Listing Maintenance: Manufacturers must maintain qualification; some QPLs require periodic re-qualification.
- Or Equal: Solicitations may allow "or equal" products, but QPL listing provides assurance.
- Defense Standardization: QPLs are common in DoD for components, materials, and equipment.
- Simplified Acquisition: QPL products can be procured without full competitive procedures in some cases.
Related Terms
- Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
- Solicitation
- Specifications
- Product Service Code (PSC)
More Products Terms
A cross-functional team that manages a product, subsystem, or program element from development through delivery.
A company that manufactures products or components that are marketed under another company's brand or incorporated into another company's product.
Work performed to expand scientific or technical knowledge and apply it to new or improved products, processes, or services — a major category of federal contracting.
A comprehensive list of raw materials, components, and quantities needed to manufacture or assemble a product for a government contract.
A four-digit coding system used to group similar items of supply for cataloging and procurement purposes.
The first attainment of the capability to effectively employ a new weapon system, equipment, or platform in an operational context.
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